Parents often find it difficult to watch their child go through a battle that they cannot fight for their child. The diagnosis of their child’s diabetes is often devastating for parents.
You want to learn how to perform every finger stick, calculate every dose, administer every insulin injection, and to nurture the child by following the diabetes medical management plan.
The Independent Child with Diabetes
One difficult aspect of having a child with diabetes is the fact that the child often wants to be independent. The child, whether a younger child or a teenager, likely wants the responsibility of their everyday diabetes care.
Do not feel bad about your child wanting you to take a few steps back to let them manage their diabetes care and treatment. Allow the child to master the steps involved in their diabetes care plan under your watchful eye. Make sure that you involve the child’s school, and let them know about your child’s ability to master their diabetes care plan.
How to Nurture your Independent Child with Diabetes
Most children that have diabetes have type 1 diabetes, although it is possible for children to develop type 2 diabetes. Make sure that your child knows what type of diabetes they have, and how to inform others that need to know about their diabetes care plan. The four steps to a diabetes care plan for individuals include:
- Checking blood sugar levels
- Taking their insulin
- Maintaining a well-balanced diet while counting carbs
- Engaging in regular physical activity
Supervise your independent child’s self-care to make sure that their diabetes stays under control, while following the doctor’s instructions.
